A bunch of about 20 fans found themselves on the steps of Vodafone arena last night (I knew they built that place for a good reason). You had a clear view over the fence and into Olympic Park.
Australia clearly dominated from the kick off but couldn't convert any chances with Zane, Rizzo, Bresciano and Curcija going close. Just before half time Steve Laybutt made two bad errors at the back gifting chances to the Kuwaiti's, however two pretty weak attempts ended in Milosevics' hands. Half time the score was 0-0 and hope that in the second half we'd see some goals as they would only be 80m away (instead of 180m).
While we weren't as dominant in the second half we did convert three opportunities. Bresciano scored with a header early in the half ( about 50th) with Clayton Zane scoring from a tap in from some good lead up work about 10 minutes later. Curcija made it three after the keeper fumbled a shot from the edge of the area from Zane. Curcija had a chance to make it 4 but missed from point blank range with a great volley on the far post, just forgot to keep it down.
Highlights of the game were two superb saves to keep a clean sheet late in the game from Danny Milosevic and he certainly looked good in the brief moments he was called on. Bresciano and Rizzo were too good & too quick for their opponents and regularly beat players. Grella was good without being brilliant. Lazarides was his typical self with some greats runs down the left flank, leaving many of his opponents behind. Wehrman didn't really get involved with the attack but was good defensively. Colosimo was solid at the back while Laybutt had two errors that could have cost us. Lucas Neill could well be a surprise for the opposition after they focus their attention on the dangers of the other flank. While Zane and Curcija had plenty of opportunities to rattle in 6 or 7 but thankfully knocked a couple between them. Archie didn't have long but wasn't as productive as against the Knights two weeks ago.
With Skoko, Viduka, Foxe, Emerton and possibly Blatsis to come in not a bad effort even against a jet lagged Kuwait side.
Archie Thompson came on in the last ten minutes.